- ABC News
- November 17, 2024
CLEVELAND -- Charlotte Hornets star guard LaMelo Ball was fined $100,000 after using an anti-gay term during a postgame interview following his team's win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. Hornets coach Charles Lee on Sunday said Ball is "very apologetic" for making what the NBA called "an offensive and derogatory comment." Sideline reporter Shannon Spake asked Ball about the team's defensive strategy against Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo on the game's final play, and Ball used an anti-gay term while giving his answer. The league penalized the 23-year-old Ball on Sunday before the Hornets played in Cleveland. The maximum fine allowed by league rule is $100,000. Lee opened his pregame media availability by addressing the situation and said he had spoken to Ball. "As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone," said Lee, who is in his first season as Charlotte's coach. "Our standards and what is required of our...